Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments A Tiny Bit Marvellous Dawn French Comedy/ Cate of Welland Laugh out loud funny, fictional diary entries from a woman approaching her Humour/Light 50th birthday and possibly a meltdown, and her annoying teenage children. entertainment A trick of the light Louise Penny Crime Sue of East St The cosy village with a twist should merit a genre of its own. You really need to Kilda read this series in chronological order to get the full effect of the geography of this novel, which is its essential and main character. A visit from the goon Jennifer Egan Literary fiction Jenny of A rock and roll journey through time in all different but connected stories. A squad WILLUNGA total delight. A Visit From The Goon Jennifer Egan Realistic Fiction Cate of Welland A fab story of fascinating characters which jumps across continents and Squad backwards and forwards between eras, even into the future, but somehow is all magically interwoven. Across Country: Stories Compiled and Short Stories Duane of An exceedingly good collection of aboriginal short stories gathered from across From Aboriginal Australia edited by Kerry Paracombe Australia. ~ 3.5 stars! ~ Davies After Romulus Raimond Gaita Greg Martin of Part philosophy, part memoir, the book continues from Romulus, My Father. It Adelaide examines the ethics of Gaita's father and his friend Mutra, and pays tribute to his mother Christina. All That Happened At Denise Scott Auto/Biography Christina of Number 26 Paradise All that I am Anna Funder Auto/Biography Jenny of My pick for the year. So good I can't stop reading about and listening to Anna. WILLUNGA Another writer who dazzles and brings events to life, long after they had thought to have been relegated to the archives, forgotten. Read this. Amazing Grace Eric Metaxas History (Non-fiction) Dawn of Background to an amazing TV special, as well as an insight into a fascinating Oaklands Pk. period of British political history Anna Karenina Leo Tolstoy Classics Glenda of Almost the perfect novel. I re-read this for Bookclub this year, and it was Brookfield universally loved. Beautiful Katie Piper Auto/Biography Paula of Courageous story. Unbelieveable cruelty with physical consequences that the Naracoorte author will have for life. Before I Go To Sleep S J Watson Mystery Fiona of Magill Held me to the end. /Suspense/Thriller
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments Bel Canto AnnPatchett Literary fiction Lisa of Cromer A true surprise read that draws you in slowly but surely. Book Thief Marcus Zusak Literary fiction Sally of West A book of such hope and peace. Beach Bossypants Tina Fey Auto/Biography David of Kent Amusing memoir from the star and creator of 30 Rock and those infamous Sarah Town Palin impersonations. Breath Tim Winton Drama Jane of SA Evoked memories of growing up in a coastal town and how appearances can be so misleading. Bury Your Dead Louise Penny Mystery Jennifer of Mile A must read for mystery lovers, follows on from the excellent "The Brutal /Suspense/Thriller End Telling". Bypass: The Story of a Michael McGirr Comedy/ Alison of It may not fit neatly into any genre but is absolutely delightful. I usually read Road Humour/Light Royston Park crime novels and not much else, but haveing seen this author at Writers' Week, entertainment he was so entertaining, and so are his books. This one tells of his ride along the Hume Highway. Careful, he might hear Sumner Locke Drama Gemma of Largs you Elliot Bay Challon Heads Barry Maitland Crime Alison of A really good read with 2 detectives who are easy to get to know. This one Royston Park focuses on the value of rare stamps and what people will do to get their hands on them. Set in Britain, but I understand that Maitland now lives in SA, he was one of the authors at Writers Week. Cloud Street Tim Winton Realistic Fiction Pam + Roger One of his best novels, not as depressing as some of his others. Comedy in a Minor Key Hans Keilson Historical Fiction Sally of Interesting look at relationships and people's emotions in difficult times. Broadview Conversations With Nelson Mandela Auto/Biography Jon of Victor Mostly letters written from prison by Mandela. Shows how his inspiring vision Myself Harbor never failed throughout the years of incarceration. Also shows the heartache because of distance from family & friends. Cooking the books Kerry Crime Helen of Fulham Highly entertaining, with a sense of humour as are all of the Kerry Greenwood Greenwood Gardens novels. Cross Stitch Diana Gabaldon Historical Fiction Val of Gladstone Four novels in the series. Story commences towards the end of WW2.
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments Devil in the white city Eric Larson Crime Barbara of Joslin Set in Chicago at time of the World exhibition,a historical setting of architecture and crime. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Greg Kinney Teen fiction/Young Anthony of Latest in best-selling series Cabin Fever Adult Eastwood Dracula Bram Stoker Horror Jon of Victor A genre I don't usually read. Classic gothic horror tale. Will outlast Twilight even Harbor though written a century earlier. Dragonfly in Amber Diana Gabaldon Historical Fiction Val of Gladstone Drawing conclusions donna leon Crime Melinda of very good although perhaps not one of her best. Yankalilla Duncton Wood William Fantasy Karen of Magill Compelling tale of good against evil in the world of moles - one of the most Horwood beautiful books ever written. Elisabeth Sladen: An Elisabeth Sladen Auto/Biography Anthony of A childhood and adult TV favourite's life journey. Autobiography Eastwood Empty Cradles Margaret Auto/Biography Catherine of Social worker Humphrey's discovery of the shipment of thousands of British Humphreys Marden "orphan" children to the "colonies" from the 1920s through to the 1970s. Their stories are sometimes uplifting and often heartbreaking. Even Silence Has An End Ingrid Auto/Biography Fiona of Magill Shows human endurance and courage. Betancourt Fall of Giants Ken Follett Historical Fiction Karen of Magill Provided meaningful insight into the factors that lead to the First World War, from the perspective of the various stakeholders Five Bells Gail Jones Literary fiction Greg Martin of Wonderfully evocative images of Circular Quay where the four characters Adelaide converge on one bright Sydney Saturday. And, yes, there is a drowning from a ferry! Forever Maggie Teen fiction/Young Nerissa of The final novel in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series has a fitting end. Maggie's Stiefvater Adult McHarg Creek lyrical writing exposes the main characters flaws and attributes and works with them in such a way that the last 50 pages of this book are nail biting, edge of the seat stuff. Freedom Jonathan Realistic Fiction Cate of Welland An epic tale of a contemporary family; their loves, their mistakes, their thrills Franzen and their struggles. Love, marriage, death... the whole shebang.
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments Frida: chosen to die, Frida Gashumba Auto/Biography Rebecca of Biography of a young woman who survived the Rwandan genocide - very destined to live Adelaide powerful and gripping. Half of the Human Race Anthony Quinn Historical Fiction Mary of St Agnes Written about cricket and suffragettes - well written, interesting and a story that surprises at times. The cover also sold it to me! Half the Sky Kristoff & Non- Carly of Amazing book about the hardships and violations of human rights against WuDunn fiction/Reference Coromandel women around the world and the amazing work done by women to try and Valley help. Hitch 22 Christopher Auto/Biography Jill Whittaker of A book about a less than usual life in retrospect by an author who is talented Hitchens Campbelltown and insightful. Hotel on the Corner of Jamie Ford Historical Fiction Sue of Torrens A poignant and beautiful story of a Chinese boy and Japanese girl living in Bitter and Sweet Park Seattle during World War 2. How to Make Gravy Paul Kelly Auto/Biography Annie Payne of South Australian singer Paul Kelly's journey through life, as told via the lyrics of Athelstone his songs reveals many new insights into the life of one of our most iconic musicians. Paul's relationships with a myriad of people are honestly related with his fey sens I Still Dream About You Flagg Fannie Comedy/ Glenys of The latest from this talented American writer, it's funny/sad/touching in equal Humour/Light Pooraka measure. entertainment Imagining Argentina Lawrence Literary fiction Greg Martin of Set in Argentina during the Dirty War and the 'disappeareds', the novel Thornton Adelaide celebrates the power of the imagination and art over the brutality of the oppressor. In Cold Blood Truman Capote Crime Lisa of A chilling story of murder and mystery. Snowtown Into Thin Air Jon Krakauer Action/Adventure Mary of St Agnes A personal account of a disastrous Mt Everest climbing season in 1996 and its lethal aftermath. Compelling, chilling ( in a variety of ways!) and closely questions the morality and motivation of people who climb mountains. Was made into an awful movie but the book is gripping and one of those you can't put down. Jackson's Track Daryl Tonkin & Auto/Biography Jon of Victor An insight to the injustice perpetrated on the Aboriginal people in Victoria and Carolyn Landon Harbor one white man's love and devotion to his Aboriginal friends. An eye-opener.
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments Jane April Lindner Romance/Love stores Nerissa of An interesting modernisation of Jane Eyre. McHarg Creek Jasper Jones Craig Silvey Literary fiction Barbara of Joslin Keeping the dead Tess Gerritsen Mystery Sue of East St Not the most recent, but the one I'm currently reading. Full of suspense and plot /Suspense/Thriller Kilda twists to enthrall any fan of psychological thrillers and archaeology. KING OF THIEVES - THE ADAM SHAND History (Non-fiction) HAYDN of EDEN A marvellous true account of a highly organised gang of Australian shoplifters ADVENTURES OF ARTHUR HILLS that stole six million pounds worth of precious gems and expensive items from DELANEY & THE the wealthy retailers of London, Paris, Brussels, Rome and beyond in broad KANGAROO GANG daylight and without an Last chance cafe Liz Byrski Drama Helen of Fulham Aimed at older female readers, this novel was entertaining, but also Gardens demonstrated that you are never too old to embark on and succeed at a new endeavour. Last night in twisted river John Irving Literary fiction Maree of Gripping yarn with many twists and turns and wonderful exploration of the Medindie characters. Left Neglected Lisa Genova Literary fiction Annie of Sarah Nickerson balances a high pressured job with a busy family life until a Athelstone momentary lapse of concentration results in a traumatic brain injury - Left Neglected. Her struggle to regain her own independent life is fascinating as she learns to compromise Listening to country Ros Moriarty Auto/Biography Sally of West Identity the struggle to belong. Beach Lola's Secret Monica Realistic Fiction Martina of A most enjoyable book set in the Clare Valley, bringing back some of Monica's McInerney Christie Downs characters from The Alphabet Sisters. Pure joy. Lola's Secret Monica Realistic Fiction Mary of A great read that engages all emotions. An excellent story with very interesting McInerney Cowandilla interaction of characters. Setting is the town of Clare SA where the author grew up. Madame Tussaud: a novel Michelle Moran Historical Fiction Rebecca of Interesting account of the historical figure Madame Tussaud, how she came to of the French Revolution Adelaide "be" Madame Tussaud and informative about the French Revolution. Mailman Of The Birdsville Kristin Auto/Biography Alicia of Ingle Enjoyed finding out about the amazing life of this family. Have got a few copies I Track Weidenbach Farm am sending to friends and family overseas for xmas! So much Australian history would have been lost if his story hadn't been told!
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments Marching Powder Rusty Young Auto/Biography Sally of West An eye opener. Beach Me and Mr Booker Drama Sally of Broadview Minding Frankie Maeve Binchy Realistic Fiction Martina of Really enjoyed this book which revisits some of Maeve Binchy's characters from Christie Downs other books while introducing new ones. Like visiting good friends. Nation Terry Pratchett Fantasy Pam + Roger His books are always brilliant, and it's sad that this will be one of his last. Not dark yet David Walker Auto/Biography Paula of A family history that depicts the history of Burra, Australia including Chinese Naracoorte heritage. The author never expects pity for being blind. Notes From an Exhibition Patrick Gale Literary fiction Jean of Adelaide A total delight from first to last. Engaging story, beautifully and creatively written, with sympathetic characters, (though not without their flaws and challenges!) At its heart, a strong, self-centred woman and a gentle, supportive man, both, as I say, sympathetic characters, such a contrast from superficially similar but appalling people in Lovesong (Alex Miller) which I rate as the worst read of the year, despite all the prizes it has incomprehensibly received! Gale writes in a non-linear format which maintained my interest - very hard to put down, with a magnificent twist at the end. It was fascinating and seemed well- researched about bi-polarism and Quakers. One of the few books I have read which I was tempted to read again instantly. Read and enjoy! Nothing to Envy Barbara Demick Non- Anne of I was deeply moved by this book and its true stories of how life is in North fiction/Reference Kersbrook Korea. A truely memorable read. Olive Kitteridge Elizabeth Strout Literary fiction Annie of Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, is often out of step with the world she Athelstone inhabits. Glimpses of her life, told through the eyes of those around her, brings understanding of this conflicting woman. An intriguing read! One day David Nicholls Comedy/ Sally of Enjoyable reading. Humour/Light Broadview entertainment One For The Money Janet Evanovich Comedy/ Alicia of Ingle An entire series of books, more than 12 I believe. Have only read the first 12 Humour/Light Farm and found myself howling with laughter so much the neighbours knocked on the entertainment door to find out if I was ok!
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments One Good Turn Kate Atkinson Crime Melinda of Yankalilla Outliers - The story of Malcolm Loewn of A must read for anyone bringing up and part of childrens lives. A story of Success Gladwell Kensington opportunity, dedication, success and equality. Gardens Particularly cats Doris Lessing Jill of A beautiful description of the cats that inhabit the author's world and the Campbelltown politics and intrigue those animals have with her and each other. People of the Book Geraldine Historical Fiction Barbara of Joslin Brooks Persuader Lee Child Action/Adventure Kathryn of Belair A great Jack Reacher story Pomegranate Soup Marsha Mehran Literary fiction Anne of A lovely mix of life, hope, food and a bit of love thrown in too. All set in small Kersbrook town Ireland. Portrait of a spy Daniel Silva Crime Helen of Fulham Swift paced, hard to put down, unexpected ending. Gardens Pride and Predjudice Jane Austen Literary fiction Anne of I re-read this for the umpteenth time and it remains my all time favourite book Kersbrook for its descriptions of people, love and life. Not much changes in the world, we still meet silly and vain people as well as honorable ones today. And we all love a happy en Purple Hibiscus Chimamanda Literary fiction Christina of Kambilis world falls apart as Nigeria faces internal woes. Ngozi Adichie Fairview Park Radical Hope: Education Noel Pearson Non- Judy of Aldinga This book gives the reader hope for the future for all Australians, and especially and equality in Australia fiction/Reference Beach for our indigenous people. While you may disagree with some of Pearson's ideas, it is difficult to not be inspired and excited by his optimism, vision, energy and determination. Remarkable Creatures Tracey Chevalier Historical Fiction Maree of A richly crafted story, suprising and tender. Medindie River of Smoke Amitav Ghosh Historical Fiction Maree of Filled with the hazy history of the early "free traders" in China and the lead up Medindie to the Opium Wars. Intertwing fate of many characters whose lives are linked by the seas they sail.
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments Room Emma Literary fiction Helen of Myrtle An easy read with an interesting narrative style, written from the perspective of Donoghue Bank the child.
Room Emma Literary fiction Jean of Adelaide Shortlisted for many prizes including the 2010 Booker (which it would have won Donoghue if it was up to me). Gruelling subject matter, based on the Fritzl case. Told in the voice of Jack, a 5-year old boy born to his kidnapped mother during her incarceration, the story concentrates not on the horrors and the kidnapper, nor the police and law enforcement issues, but on Jack and his amazing mother. Ultimately uplifting and immensely satisfying. Sarah Thornhill Kate Grenville Historical Fiction Mary of St Agnes Well written, interesting and explores themes of aboriginal and white early colonial settlement. Say it with feeling Gerald Stone Auto/Biography Dawn of The story of an interesting man who has interacted with many interesting and Oaklands Pk. well known people. Shogun James Clavell Historical Fiction Mark of I read this in 5 days, admittedly I had lots of time as I was in hospital. A great Blackwood twisting plot, with deeply resolved characters at nearly 1300 pages it wasn't long enough! I don't know why it's taken me so many years to find Clavell. Smithereens Shaun Micallef Comedy/ Christina of Humour/Light Paradise entertainment Snuff Terry Pratchett Fantasy Sue of East St This may be Terry Pratchett's last work, so every word is especially precious. Kilda While the humour may not be as overt as in previous books, the insights and charm as as strong as ever. So much for that Lionel Shriver Realistic Fiction Loewn of One of those books that touches the heart and soul and will stay with me Kensington forever. At times almost to sad to read but I had too as it was so rich in a Gardens number of ways. Something Fishy Shane Maloney None of the above Alison of The Murray Whelan books have been a great discovery for me. You could say Royston Park they are crime or comedy or thriller, they have a bit of it all. Murray is a MP, or becomes so in one of the books, though he often seems pretty uninterested in the politics. simply a really good fun read.
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments Started Early, Took the Kate Atkinson Mystery Jennifer of Mile A revelation, made me run out & purchase the rest of her books. Dog /Suspense/Thriller End Steiner Marie Servants Depots History (Non-fiction) Glenys of An interesting account about a little known part of S A history, the sponsored in Colonial SA Pooraka emigration of young Irish women to South Australia to bridge the gender gap. The "Wallander" series Henning Mankell Realistic Fiction Judy of Aldinga Kurt Wallander is a wonderful creation: it's difficult not to love this worn out, Beach highly individual policeman from Ystad, Skane, in southern Sweden. (Check it out on the map!)if you read just one Wallander book, you will be hooked.The DVD's are fantastic. The Afterparty Leo Benedictus Realistic Fiction Jane of Stirling This book is on our list for next years Book Club (we are the Third Thursday Book Club). I read it this year and cant wait for our group to read it. It is a great read - fascinating in its delivery i.e. chapters begin with an email. I read it on my Kindle. The Alchemist Paulo Coehlo Travel Aimee of A fable-like story, with live lessons if you read in between the lines. Cummins The art of the engine Steven Carroll Literary fiction Judy of Aldinga This is the first in a beautiful trilogy about a family within a community, set in driver Beach post-World War 2 Melbourne suburbia. Carroll's beautiful, lyrical style creates a deceptive simplicity beneath which lies deeper truths about change, and the frailty of people. Definitely worth reading the two sequels..... "The gift of speed" and "The time we have taken". There is also a prequel, written recently, "The spirit of progress". Lovely!! The Ballad of M Glenn Taylor Historical Fiction Mark of I love these kind of books. I picked it up on the strength of the title and cover Trenchmouth Taggart Blackwood artwork. I do design for publishing. Not a long book, but it had me wanting to walk the Appalachian Trail and sample moonshine. The Book Thief Markus Zusak Teen fiction/Young Sandra of Death tells the story of Leisel during WW2 in Germany as she goes to live with a Adult Aberfoyle Park foster family. A brilliant book, very moving and an insight into a German persective of the war. The Book thief Markus zusak Drama Susan of Westbourne pk The Book Thief Marcus Zusack Historical Fiction Jane of Stirling This was our all time favourite for 2009 and still ranks in our top 5 books read over the past 3 years.
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments The Cat's Table Michael Literary fiction Glenda of I love Michael Ondaatje's writing, both his poetry, non-fiction and Ondaatje Brookfield fiction.Although I don't regard this as his best novel, I thoroughly enjoyed the voyage on the ' Oronsay ' and all the characters that sailed upon her. The Collectors David Baldacci Crime Kathryn of Belair Love that Camel Club The Dressmaker Rosalie Ham Realistic Fiction Jane of Stirling One of our Book Club Memebers wrote of this book "The Dressmaker is fabulous, it is obvious the author understood the psyche of country Australia. I can identify with many characters in the book growing up in Furner in the 60's and 70's. I give the book The Dressmaker Posie Graham- Historical Fiction Rebecca of A good read that you can't put down. Evans Adelaide The Elegance of the Muriel Barbery Literary fiction Sandra of This book is written in the voice of the two main chracters, Renee and Paloma, Hedgehog Aberfoyle Park who share their thoughts on philosophy. Inspiring, thought provoking and highly enjoyable reading. The End of Everything Abbott Megan Mystery Hugh of Prospect Layer after layer peeled off what appears at first like an ideal family, seen & felt /Suspense/Thriller through the eyes & emotions of a highly intellignent 13 year-old. The Glass Castle Jeanette Walls Auto/Biography Helen of Myrtle An autobiographical novel of Jeanettes challenging upbringing in America and Bank her resilience despite of this! A great read. The Good Knight Sarah Woodbury Historical Fiction Lisa of A book I found very enjoyable. It is fictional but also many characters were real Snowtown people. The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck Classics Catherine of Have been meaning to read this for years, wasn't disappointed. A true classic. Marden Hard to imagine how people in the 21st century would survive in a 1930's depression. The last page of the book was profound, still thinking about it now, 6months later. The hand that first held Maggie O'Farrell Literary fiction Helen of Myrtle a lovely book with 2 parallell stories, Maggie is a wonderful story teller who mine Bank paints with words The happiest refugee Anh Do Auto/Biography Paula of It is a humorous look at Anh's battles to survive, fit in and achieve. Naracoorte The Hare with Amber Eyes Edmund De Auto/Biography Glenda of I always enjoy books that inform me, and I didn't previously know of the Waal Brookfield Netsukes.Apart from filling gaps in my education, I also enjoyed the family stories and memebers. Quite enchanting !
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments The Hare with Amber Eyes Edmund de Waal Jenny of Involving story of a hidden inheritance - Edmund relives his family history via the WILLUNGA objects he has inherited. The scenes in Paris and Vienna become so alive. His relating of his own feelings about his family are very cleverly done. The Help Kathryn Stockett Drama Catherine of Insight into the US Deep South in the 60's. The characters are wonderfully Marden drawn, especially the maids. This book made me laugh and cry. The Help Kathryn Stockett Drama David of Kent Up-lifting and amusing tale of African-American maids who work as nannies and Town maids in white houses in America's deep South. The Help Kathryn Stockett Historical Fiction pam An excellent novel, although for such a powerful subject perhaps the style could have been just a little less "gentle". The Help Kathryn Stockett roger The Help Kathryn Stockett Historical Fiction Lisa of Cromer I am glad I read the book without seeing the movie first. So very good! The Help Kathryn stockett Drama Susan of Westbourne pk The Impossible Dead Ian Rankine Crime Kathryn of Belair The Island Victoria Hislop Historical Fiction Christina of The island, Spinalonga is a leper colony oiff the coast of Crete. The story follows Fairview Park the trajedy of the families who are affected. THE LAST EXPLORER - SIMON NASHT Auto/Biography HAYDN of EDEN Hubert Wilkins was a South Australian explorer and adventurer who achieved HUBERT WILKINS HILLS much through his exploring northern areas of Australia recording important data of local indigenous people and weather details. Also his heroic exploring in to unknown districts with the early development of aircraft in the Northern Polar regions. He was virtually unknown in Australia until the publication of this biography. Yet in the US and Scandinavian areas much has been written and recorded of his achievements in early flights, his acknowledgemets for his bravery as a camera man on the battlefields of World War 1 and his efforts to save lives of wounded Diggers. HUBERT WILKINS IS A HERO TO ME. HIS CONTINUOUS ACTS OF BRAVERY WHETHER UNDER DANGEROUS CONDITIONS ON THE BATTLEFIELDS OR IN REMOTE POLAR CONDITIONS OFTEN WITHOUT ANY CHANCE OF RESCUE.
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments The Lieutenant Grenville Kate Historical Fiction Hugh of Prospect A subtle & insightful account of a most unusual & gifted young marine officer's training; & then the heart-breakingly difficult conflict between his orders & his friendship with the aborigines. The Lucy Family Alphabet Judith Lucy Auto/Biography Christina of Paradise The Name of The Wind Patrick Rothfuss Fantasy Alicia of Ingle Have just started to read it and now awaiting arrival of 2nd book in triology. Farm Third book's not been written yet! Unable to put it down as soon as I started reading it. The Paris Wife Paula McLain Auto/Biography Sue of Torrens Partly fiction, a fabulous insight into the life of Hadley Richardson, the first wife Park of Ernest Hemingway and their life in bohemian Paris during the1920s, before he became famous. The Passage Justin Cronin Science Fiction/ Anthony of Unfolding thriller set in a post-apocolyptic world, soon to be made as a movie Speculative fiction Eastwood The Rain Queen Katherine Literary fiction Christina of A white woman caught in the throes of missionary's life in Africa, falls in love Scholes Fairview Park with an African chief! The Red Garden Alice Hoffman Historical Fiction Lisa of Cromer The magical and whimsical nature of Alice Hoffman's naratives takes you on journeys within journeys. The Rembrandt Affair Daniel Silva Action/Adventure Dawn of A fascinating hero: an assassin with a talent for painting. Oaklands Pk. The Second Best Job in Julian Mather Auto/Biography Karen of Magill Easy reading with touches of humour and pathos. the World The secret life of bees Sue monk kidd Drama Susan of Westbourne pk The Secret Life of Bees Sue Monk Kidd Drama Jane of SA A exploration of a different world that stays with me today. The Sense of an Ending Julian Barnes Literary fiction David of Kent This novel won Barnes the Booker Prize in October and it is easy to see why. This Town is an intelligent but accessible novel about one man looking back on his life and the role of his childhood friends. It's a great read, and very amusing - and it's only 150 pages so you've still got time for a swim and a nap on your vacation!
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments The Shadow of the Wind Carlos Ruiz Zafon Historical Fiction Sue of Torrens Set in Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War, this translation is an intriguing Park story within a story, narrated by Daniel and remin Set in Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War, this is an intriguing love story within a story, narrated by Daniel who's father takes him to visit the Cemetary of Forgotten Books. The Sixth Lamentation William Mystery Lisa of I found it hard to get into initially but persevered and ended up thoroughly Broderick /Suspense/Thriller Snowtown enjoying it. The Slap Christos Tsiolkas Drama Jill of The short story format but with an overriding theme made this compelling Campbelltown reading and has translated well to television too. The Slap Chris Tsiolakis Drama Fiona of Magill The author managed to bring characters from very diverse backgrounds and link them all together. Fascinating look at human interactions and behaviour. THE SLAP CHRISTOS Drama HAYDN of EDEN A POWERFUL NOVEL THAT PRESENTS THE DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEWS OF SIOLKAS HILLS EIGHT PEOPLE WHO WITNESSS A CHILD BEING SLAPPED AT A FAMILY BBQ. IT HELD MY ATTENTION AND WAS AN INTERESTING AND ENERGETIC CONVERSATION STARTER WHICH ALWAYS RESULTED IN DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW WHEN THE NOVEL OR TV SERIES WAS DISCUSSED. The Stone Gods Jeanette Science Fiction/ Louise of Initially A bit annoying and hard to get into. However worth the effort in the Winterson Speculative fiction Hackham end. A bit of a different read, with environmental and feminist over tones. A challenge to look at things in a different way. The Time of My Life Cecilia Ahern Martina of A book to make you think, what if I was faced with my life, if my life was actually Christie Downs a person. A lovely challenging book. The Troubled man henning mankell Crime Melinda of Excellent. A little slow in parts but he is a wonderful author. Yankalilla The Vintner's Luck Elizabeth Knox Historical Fiction Mark of A book out of NZ. I'd love to have dinner and a chat with the author about the Blackwood spiritual aspects of what went on in this book. The World According to McCall Smith Comedy/ Glenys of Another delightful title from the 44 Scotland Street series. Bertie is the author's Bertie Alexander Humour/Light Pooraka favourite character, and mine too. entertainment The Wreckage Michael Mystery Jennifer of Mile Every book he writes just gets better and better and this one is no different. Robotham /Suspense/Thriller End
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading
Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments Thorn Birds Colleen Drama Aimee of Loved it. First Colleen book ever read, thought it would be too 'mumsy' but not McCullough Cummins at all. Love following a family over generations. Tipping the Velvet Sarah Dunant Literary fiction Loewn of Kensington Gardens To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee Classics Jean of Adelaide What can one say about this all-time classic? As engaging, moving and thought- provoking as ever. To the Ends of the Air G. E. Livock History (Non-fiction) Duane of An autobiography of the author learning to fly during WWI and his involvement Paracombe in several world record flights in flying boats in the 1920’s and 1930’s ~ 3 stars! ~ Tuesdays with Morrie: an Mitch Albom Auto/Biography Sandra of Inspiring reading! Mitch writes down the essence of his visits to his dying friend old man, a young man, Aberfoyle Park and former professor. and life's greatest lesson Unbearable Lightness Portia DeRossi Auto/Biography Aimee of Honest look into mental illness. Eye-opening. Cummins VCFS: Footprints of Hope Raymond Medical Raymond of This book is reference to Velo Cardio Facial syndrome which comes under Geoffrey Tanner Aberfoyle Park medical. Venetian Navigators di Robilant History (Non-fiction) Hugh of Prospect The extraordinary recreation of an almost forgotten fourteenth century voyage Andrea into the North Atlantic, researched & written by their descendant. Voyager Diana Gabaldon History (Non-fiction) Val of Gladstone 4th book in series is 'Drums of Autumn' Washington's Crossing David Hackett History (Non-fiction) Duane of An excellent account of George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware Fischer Paracombe River during the American War of Independence. ~ 4 stars! ~ We have to talk about Lionel Shriver Drama Jane of SA Disturbing and brilliantly written, from the moment I started reading it I was lost Kevin in the beautiful writing. Wither Lauren Teen fiction/Young Nerissa of Beautifully written with an almost dreamlike quality, Wither is set in a dystopian Destefano Adult McHarg Creek future where, after genetic manipulation gone wrong men live to the age of 25 and women to the age of 20. The first in the chemical Garden Trilogy. Highly recommended.
891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading